A former Plymouth Argyle winger who now plays for Premier League Crystal Palace has been charged with assault and carrying a weapon following a fight near a Surrey nightclub.

Jason Puncheon, 31, who is now the club captain of The Eagles, was arrested near to the Mishiko cocktail bar in Church Street, Reigate, after police were called to reports of a fight at 2.20am on Saturday morning.

It is understood that the Croydon-born player, who made only seven appearances for the Pilgrims after Paul Sturrock signed him from Barnet for £250,000 in June 2008, was out with friends, the Plymouth Herald reports.

Jason Puncheon during his days with Plymouth Argyle

A Surrey Police spokesman said: "Officers attended the area following a report of a fight. Jason Puncheon, 31, of The Warren, Kingswood has been charged with a section 4 public order offence – causing fear or provocation of violence, possession of an offensive weapon and common assault.